Critical Care Newsline — March 1, 2012

Critical Care Newsline, the electronic newsletter from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, contains information selected just for you by our clinical practice experts. In each issue, you’ll find links to resources, research abstracts (individual sites may require registration and a fee to access complete articles) and websites that will keep you informed on issues affecting nurses and the nursing profession.

1. NEWS Celebrate Certified Nurses Day
Certified Nurses Day recognizes and honors certified nurses and encourages eligible nurses to become certified. The American Nurses Credentialing Center, Silver Spring, Md., selected March 19 as Certified Nurses Day to honor the birthday of the late Margretta “Gretta” Madden Styles. An international pioneer of nursing certification and longtime friend of AACN and AACN Certification Corporation, Styles designed the first comprehensive study of nurse credentialing. Please submit your success stories as well as photos of your celebrations, which may be posted online or in a photo album on Facebook.

2. CALL TO ACTION Apply for ISMP Safe Medication Management Fellowships
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), Horsham, Pa., is accepting applications for two learning opportunities in medication error prevention that start in July. The 12-month ISMP Fellowship will be held at ISMP’s office. For the FDA-ISMP Safe Medication Management Fellowship the candidate will spend six months at ISMP and six at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, Md. These programs help prepare healthcare professionals lead the way in medication safety. Relocation to each area is required. Access further information, qualifications and applications. Applications can also be requested by calling (215) 947-7797 or via email. Application deadline: March 30.

3. CALL TO ACTION Register for ‘A Slice of AACN NTI’
Contemporary Forums and AACN continue their collaboration with the third annual “A Slice of AACN NTI,” April 9-13, Paris Hotel, Las Vegas. Nationally recognized faculty from AACN’s National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI) will share their expertise in high acuity and critical care. You can earn up to 30.5 CE hours while networking with your colleagues from across the country.

4. EVIDENCEAJCC publishes review of peripartum cardiomyopathy guidelines
“Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Review and Practice Guidelines” appears in March’s American Journal of Critical Care (AJCC). The article is a review of the practice guidelines for peripartum cardiomyopathy, a type of dilated cardiomyopathy of unknown origin, which occurs in previously healthy women in the final month of pregnancy and up to five months after delivery.

5. RESOURCE ROI Toolkit helps you make a strong case for attending NTI
To help you discuss the value of attending the National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI) — May 19-24, Orlando, Fla. — with your manager, visit our ROI Toolkit webpage for customizable templates, including a sample letter, value of attending worksheet and postconference report that you can share with your team in advance. If you’ve already made plans to attend, register by Thursday, April 5, and save $76. And be sure to sign up for a hotel room through AACN Housing. Discounted rates are available until April 10, but early booking is strongly advised to ensure the best selection.

9. RESOURCE AACN online pharmacology course is most comprehensive available
AACN: Critical Care Pharmacology — an online course launched in early February — is the most comprehensive, evidence-based pharmacology course available. New and experienced nurses will further develop their competencies in safe drug administration, which leads to optimal patient outcomes. The interactive course features a case study format that encourages critical thinking skills. AACN partnered with Elsevier | MC Strategies, in cooperation with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Bethesda, Md., to create this course. Completion of AACN: Critical Care Pharmacology earns users 13.5 CNE credit hours — all of which fulfill APRN pharmacology CNE requirements. AACN: Critical Care Pharmacology can be purchased from AACN.

10. WEAR YOUR NTI SPIRIT Advance discounted sale of NTI 2012 T-shirtsOrder your official NTI 2012 T-shirt from the online AACN Bookstore, and plan to wear it at the opening session, Monday, May 21, in honor of AACN President Mary Stahl. The shirts are black with the “Together. Stronger. Bolder.” artwork on the back and a small NTI logo on the front. The presale price is $15 plus tax and $3 shipping until Wednesday, April 4. Both black and white T-shirts will be available on-site at NTI for $20 each. Proceeds from all T-shirt sales benefit AACN’s host chapter, Metropolitan Orlando.

12. BOOKSTORE New reference for cardiac surgery nurses
“Fast Facts for the Cardiac Surgery Nurse” is a succinct yet comprehensive reference tool that covers the time from pre-op to recovery period, with a special focus on the prevention and management of commonly seen postoperative complications. This new addition to the Fast Facts series provides quick access to frequently used information for the care of cardiac surgery patients. Access this reference and other new titles.

On Feb. 9, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), Horsham, Pa., released results of its survey of high-alert medications. Findings were similar to the 2007 survey, with a few exceptions, including antithrombotics rising from eighth to third most frequent medication/class considered a high-alert medication and increases in the number of respondents who felt subcutaneous insulin, oxytocin and parenteral nutrition should be considered high-alert medications. Results will be used to update the “ISMP List of High-Alert Medications for Acute Care Settings.”

14. AACN RESOURCESFind jobs at NursePath.com
Are you a recent graduate? Or are you a mid- or senior-career acute or critical care nurse looking to change jobs or locations? Visit NursePath.com, AACN’s online career site, to find employment opportunities in high acuity and critical care across the U.S.

Notable Quote“As an engaged leader, you do not rely on your authority to achieve positive outcomes. Employees follow you not because they fear you, but because they identify with you and your vision for the work unit. Your credibility is established by simply telling employees who you are and what you’re about. Then you become that person. You lead by example, which is the highest form of leadership. You remain true to your values and steadfast in your pursuit of excellence.” — Michael Henry Cohen, “Time to Lead: The Ultimate Guide to Employee Engagement.”

If you do not wish to receive email updates from AACN, please reply to unsubscribe@aacn.org.
Do you have a comment, question or story idea for Critical Care Newsline? Send your email to enewsletter@aacn.org.